LC Comm'rs, Confronted by Tea Party, Trim 16% Tax Hike to 14%

It was democracy at its best. It lasted 4 1/2 hours. Over 180 people - County workers, union bosses, party bosses, nonprofits, and tea party activists - braved a cold rain and the crime-ridden streets of downtown Allentown to swarm into the Lehigh County Commissioners' meeting room and talk about money. Our money. Public sector workers, unions and nonprofits have long ago learned that the squeakiest wheel gets the grease. They've been very well greased for some time. But that dynamic has changed. The "takers," as one spectator called them, were heavily outnumbered last night by rowdy tea party members, who were squeaking pretty loudly themselves. When the meeting finally ended at 11 PM, Commissioners succeeded in approving amendments that will shave about $3 million from Executive Don Cunningham's already lean budget. If the amended budget is adopted later this month, Lehigh County taxpayers will face a 14%, instead of a 16%, tax hike.

Big deal, you might say. I've seen county governments crumble under the pressure of people with their hands out, and authorize spending that was never even proposed by the County Executive. Last night, Commissioner Bill Hansell tried doing that for to increase spending for the arts. Commissioner Gloria Hamm made the mistake of dismissing $1.6 million as just a small amount of money. Commissioner Percy Dougherty prevented one citizen from exercising his right to speak. But in a marvelous and refreshing display of democracy, Commissioners were forced last night to listen to more than the usual "takers."

It was the tea party's turn.

Who are these people? Where they totin' guns, and spitting chew all over the place? No, that was me. The tea party crew are the same people you see at the grocery or drug store. Some have been laid off. Others are just fed up by increased government spending at a time when good people are losing jobs and homes. Last night, they participated in their government and made a difference that extends beyond a 2% reduction in Lehigh County's anticipated tax hike. They represent a new attitude among formerly apathetic people. Elected officials who would like to remain elected noticed a difference in the atmosphere.

Here's the play-by-play, including clips from the meeting to give you some flavor .

1) Commissioner Glenn Eckhart proposed a budget amendment freezing wages for non-union workers, which would save $1.37 million, but might drive the 32% non-union staff into the warm embrace of public sector unions.

Eckhart's amendment failed 5-4, with Chair Dean Browning and the four Democrats opposed.

2) Commissioner Andy Roman proposed reductions in the salaries of the highest paid ($86k+) non-union workers.

The four Democrats and Browning blocked Roman's proposal.

3) Eckhart and Roman proposed eliminating "Quality of Life" grants for Lehigh County non-profits.

This motion failed, 5-4. All Democrats and Comm'r Dougherty nixed this budget amendment.

4) Eckhart proposed using the $1.67 million in gaming revenue to reduce the millage rate and provide the tax relief that gambling proponents promised. Commissioner Gloria Hamm got into a bit of trouble when she said this is "only" $1.67 million. All Republicans ended up supporting the use of gaming revenue to reduce taxes.

5) Eckhart proposed reducing the County's contribution to the Lehigh Valley Zoo by $245,000. He would allow them to keep $80,000 to feed the elk and bison. His proposed amendment died for lack of a second.

6) Eckhart wants to eliminate a General Services Manager position, which will save the County $88,123 so they can feed more of those damn buffaloes. General Services Director Glenn Solt argued against this, noting that the County will be responsible for 21 capital projects next year. By a 5-4 vote along party lines, the Republican majority accepted an amendment eliminating this position.

7) Eckhart also proposed eliminating two new Deputy Sheriff positions, and using the $107,561 saved to reduce the tax increase. Even though the Sheriff's Department noted that there are 3,500 outstanding warrants for criminals who need to be taken off the streets, the five Republican Commissioners approved an amendment that will defund these positions.

8) Eckhart and Creighton propose slashing the IT budget, as well as some mowers in General Services, by approximately $1.3 million. All five Republicans approved this amendment to the budget.

9) Chairman Dean Browning wants to end longevity pay, step increases and wage hikes for all union workers during 2011, excepting Deputy Sheriffs, which will save the County $1.6 million. Implementation is contingent upon collective bargaining.

Browning's amendment was adopted by the Republican majority.

10) Comm'r William Hansell wants to use gaming revenue to restore the $100,000 "MORE for Children" program.

Only Hamm, Dougherty and Hansell supported this initiative.

11) Hansell's budget amendment to provide $75,000 for a regional composting project from gaming revenue, died for lack of a second.

12) An Andy Roman proposal to eliminate funding for a widely regarded Main Street revitalization program was accepted, 6-3. Commissioner Hamm sided with Republicans on this one.

13) Glenn Eckhart called it the "nuclear option" on the radio, but supported an Andy Roman proposal to raid the $20 million stabilization, or "rainy day" fund, to reduce a tax hike. Commissioner David Jones, in what was thankfully his only sermon of the night, condemned the idea, noting that "cannibalization of our previous stabilization fund is what led to this crisis."

Only Eckhart, Roman and Creighton were willing to raid the rainy day fund.

Blogger's Note: In the video compilations of last night's meeting, I tried to avoid identifying people, but one of the major playas was Lehigh County GOP Chair Wayne Woodman. I also finally got to see Otto Slozer. It was one of the most interesting meetings I ever attended, and I pretty much stayed up all night to get those videos ready.

When I wake up later today, I will immediately seek therapy.